Susan Band Horwitz, Ph.D. ’63 to receive Lifetime Achievement Award

Honored for pioneering research used by over one million patients worldwide

The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), the world’s largest organization dedicated to cancer research, will present Susan Band Horwitz, Ph.D. ’63, the Award for Lifetime Achievement in Cancer Research at the group’s 102nd annual meeting on April 3 in Orlando, Fla.

Horwitz, the Rose C. Falkenstein Professor of Cancer Research and co-chair of molecular pharmacology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, is being honored for her pioneering research that established the mechanism of action of the cancer chemotherapeutic drug Taxol, also known as paclitaxel, which prompted the development of this drug as an important therapy for many common solid tumors. Taxol has been used by more than a million patients worldwide to treat cancers of the ovary, breast and lung.

“Dr. Horwitz has had a direct impact on millions of cancer patients around the world through her work in understanding the mechanisms of action of paclitaxel and other cytotoxic drugs,” said Margaret Foti, chief executive officer of the AACR. “Her remarkable career and pivotal scientific contributions have influenced our understanding of how cancer drugs work and how to translate that knowledge into improved strategic treatments.”

“This award has great meaning for me because it results from a decision made by my peers,” Horwitz said. “This honor recognizes my laboratory and all of the students, fellows and visiting scientists who have contributed so much to my research program.”